Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Christmas Show & Sale

but I REALLY don't like standing in a 'booth' trying to sell my things. I'm not sure, exactly, why that is, but it is. Really.

I could sell your stuff like a pro. I could convince a reluctant buyer that they do, in fact, want to buy whatever you are making and selling. I can smile and schmooze and chat....about YOUR stuff.

My stuff? Not so much.

I set up a tiny booth. Cute, but much tinier than anyone else's at the show.

I stand behind my space and create. Eyes on the work. If someone stops and lingers I look up and smile. If they pick something up, my heart beats a little faster...maybe they like it. Oh, no. They put it back down.

I tell you what. This has made my arts and crafts shopping different. I chat with the seller when I can. Compliment their work when I like it...even if I can't afford it.

Then a friend comes to shop...and buys! "How much will that be?" they ask. And almost all of me wants to say, "Oh, just take it and enjoy." Christmas Show and Give Away! But, I did make these really cute sales receipts! They were fun.

I was so humbled by the fact that friends did buy for themselves and to give as gifts to make others happy. Happy...that is why I do this. To bring joy and happiness.
That is why I create. It brings me joy and happiness.

Wonder if I will ever find joy and happiness in shows and sales?

One thing I did do was help a facebook friend, Marla Taviano, raise money for a project in Cambodia. I had purchased some bracelets from her girls and then I resold them. The money will go right back to them. I also created a special piece of art featuring one of the bracelets. I sold it and all the money will go to them. That part did bring me joy and happiness.

So, I had a good show and sale by my accounts. I would guess I sold as much as anyone else there. One of the other sellers even told me that because I was selling so much I was pricing things too low. See? That's what I just can't get....if I want them to sell, I want most people to be able to afford them.

A few of the artists do this full time and I am extremely grateful that I don't HAVE to sell to survive. That would take all of the fun out of it for me I am afraid.

OK. Enough ramblings of a crazy crafter creator creature.

Anyone else suffer from this particular kind of crazy?

Wanna see some more of what I had for sale?

And if you are still here, I leave you with one of my favorite new painted canvas with felt creations.

DONNA!!!! I want one of each! All!! Your little felt and your basket weavy snow flake thingies!!! I LOVE THEM! I am gushing. For reals. You're my friend and I do love you, but my heavens lady! Could you share some of your talent?? You and Kristen. You both stole it all!!!!

The basket weavy snow flake thingys are easy like the reindeer....next years project! I'll teach you.I love my felt snowflakes, too, but they never sell. And I'm OK with that, 'cause I love them that much.And talent? Did you make that beautiful 3 berry pie????? Can you teach me that?

I love my snowmen! They are adorable. Your talent never ceases to amaze me. You have such awesome and creative ideas and they are displayed in your work in such unique ways! I love your new canvas designs. Can't wait to see what you come up with next. Anne

Squealing in delight here! I want to buy everything too. Your creations are such a delight, Donna. They have a light - your light - that makes them shine. I love the little felt snowflakes. And the owls with their feathery detail. And those woven snowflakes make the Scandinavian in me swoon. And your Christmas tree - just looking at it brings me joy. (You assigned the right word for that piece of art!)

And I would be the very same way about selling my stuff. Actually, I couldn't do it. I mean, people would KNOW who I was then ;-) Where would I hide?

Oh, dear sweet Donna... Just read a quote that I have loved for a long time... one I struggle with... but, one that touches the heart...

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people don't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." Marianne Williamson

I decided to knit at my latest fair. I felt very self-conscious at first, but in some ways it seemed better that just sitting, and meant I could talk if I felt people wanted to, and if I thought they seemed shy and just wanted to browse, I could intently concentrate of a dropped stitch ...

Tanna, you probably don't know how much that means to me and how I struggle with it...but I believe it, I do. I want for you all the joy and peace the season promises...long into the next year! Love, d.

I love to create but I hate the markets too. I never have much luck selling at them and get disillusioned. We all know handmade is better and takes time to make but in my neck of the woods folks just don't want to pay for it. We have a few stalls that sell all the felt stuff from Nepal too and undercut the price so much. I bet those local artists who create those products don't see much of what the seller is selling them for. Whinge over :-) we are rushing headlong into Christmas and the New Year and the rain is still not here. Its very hot and we are all getting cross and cranky (animals too). I am booked solid with boarding dogs for the xmas period and I think the last dog goes home on the 11th of Jan. I will get a little time to myself before school goes back then. Goodness that seems ages away.... Where is the rain?? Im dying of the heat! :-) Oh and your creations are beautiful, I love them xx

Oh you're invited. Believe me! And so is Wabi. Kristen is up to her eyeballs in trying to get things done before Christmas. She might come up for a breath of air if we stormed her door and broke it down. Short of that..... she's in a busy frenzy. :) Tis the season!!!

Jenni, we have some of that here, too....that it's cheaper to buy it mass produced thinking! And when you go to craft shows that allow both kinds of items in the booths, there is no way I am going to sell then.We didn't get the snow they were predicting overnight, but the warning goes through to tomorrow night, so might still get some. I didn't know you boarded furries....what a job!I'll sing the Let it Rain Let it Rain Let it Rain song for you when I'm not singing Let it Snow Let is Snow Let it Snow! And thanks for loving my creations, too. :-)

As I looked through this one, I was sure I'd already read it. But no comment? That's odd. So either I saw some of it in an email - or something. Like coming out of anesthesia, this is. I love it all. Chelsea would have fought for the owls. Everything's adorable. My fave are the stick stars. I'll put up the party. But it'll take about four hours of picking, correcting, uploading and inserting all those shots. But so much FUN!!

I can teach you how to make the stick stars...I saw them and then added the felt bit to make them mine! I thought of Chelsea when I made all those owls. I took them to MountainMade to sell and evidently they did very well!I had to force myself to finish the last 3 of 10, though. I don't see how you do your amazing numbers of things....

A Peek...

I believe that God is a creator God and that because I am created in His image, I am also a creator. I am about to embark on a MAJOR creative endeavor-homebuilding! Me, my little husband, 1 big dog and 3 cats.
I am looking forward to joy in the journey...come and join me!